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Police: iOS 7’s Activation Lock has helped reduce iPhone theft in some cities

When Apple introduced the new Activation Lock anti-theft system with iOS 7 to help prevent the re-use of stolen iOS devices, some lawmakers saw it as the perfect way to help quell smartphone theft. In fact, many sought to make features like it standard on all mobile devices. Today, the New York Times has released some new numbers that shows a decrease in iPhone theft following the implementation of Activation Lock.

According to New York police, thefts involving Apple products have dropped by 19% in the first half of 2014 compared to the same period in 2013. London and San Francisco authorities have seen even more impressive drops, with 24% and 38% reductions in iOS device thefts, respectively, in the six months following the feature’s release when compared to the six months immediately preceding it.

In April, Apple joined with other smartphone manufacturers and cellular carriers in an agreement to add similar features to all new mobile devices.

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Comments

  1. Bruno Fernandes (@Linkb8) - 10 years ago

    It’s a good thing that all these thieves – sorry, would-be thieves – are so up-to-date on technology to know not to steal iOS 7 devices.

  2. Arch Angel - 10 years ago

    If a thief can’t sell it for much, they learn quickly.

  3. standardpull - 10 years ago

    I wined what percentage of owners locked themselves out due to operator error or lost account passwords?

  4. thejuanald - 10 years ago

    The way Apple integrated anti-theft into their devices is really great.

    • herb02135go - 10 years ago

      Yea, it’s great how Apple introduced the technology AFTER government started working on ways to force them to include the technology.

      Thanks to all the policymakers who forced Apple’s hand. You are saving lives!

      • thejuanald - 10 years ago

        I like the way you think haha

  5. Moises Agudo - 10 years ago

    Here’s what no one is counting on. Thief steals iOS device, thief can’t get into iOS device, thief becomes angry and destroys iOS device. It’s a lose-lose situation.

    • Arch Angel - 10 years ago

      So you’re saying you want the thief to win? Stupid thief throws phone away and doesn’t steal another iPhone, that’s the whole point of this. They have to learn that they are almost worthless in order to stop them stealing them. Once you’ve had your device stolen then you’re not getting it back, I know I’d be a little happier knowing it wasn’t being sold on.

      • Moises Agudo - 10 years ago

        Did I say I wanted the thief to win? No. I said it was a lose-lose situation. I’ve already seen what thieves do when they can’t get in. I’ve seen iOS devices smashed on the ground, thrown off a bridge, thrown into traffic so cars run them over. It’s a lose-lose situation!

      • Moises Agudo - 10 years ago

        1 more thing, what happens when the thief gives up on the iOS device and instead robs you personally.

    • thejuanald - 10 years ago

      The whole point is to make it a lose-lose situation so that the thieves learn that it won’t benefit them to steal the iPhone in the first place.

      • herb02135go - 10 years ago

        The whole idea is to take profit out of the crime. This can benefit those who use earlier editions of ios (the ones that worked) since a crook can’t easily tell what version you are using.

        There is the chance a thief could rob/assault a person if they don’t get what they want, but that could happen regardless.

        Good to see reduced crime and our government’s actions showing positive results!